The First Call 09-23-2021

FIRST THOUGHT

Cryptocurrency appears to be here to stay, especially in the sports arena. According to a Morning Consult poll, sports fans are more familiar with cryptocurrency than non-sports fans. while 66% of "avid" sports fans and 72% of sports bettors said they're familiar with digital currencies. Drilling down to golf, 64% of LPGA fans said they are “very” or “somewhat” familiar with cryptocurrencies, compared to 59% of PGA Tour fans.

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READ, WATCH, LISTEN

> Karen 'gets real' with prospective owners at African American Expo
[Steve Eubanks | Golf Business | Read]

> Future of two golf courses in question
[Graham Kilmer | Urban Milwaukee | Read]

> Golf should look outside the game for worthy charities as the signs are everywhere we need it
[Alex Miceli | Morning Read | Read]

> How Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele forged a friendship at the Presidents Cup that could be key for the U.S. at the Ryder Cup
[Adam Schupak | Morning Read | Read]

Winning formula: How Herb Kohler succeeded in hospitality

The American Club resort hotel in Kohler, Wis., which this week is hosting guests attending the Ryder Cup, is operating proof that the third-time-is-a-charm mantra can be true

Fact of the Day

DID YOU KNOW?

Over the last 10 years, the demand for fitness options has motivated many clubs to add a work-out facility. Today, 28% of private courses offer fitness as an amenity, well beyond the traditional tennis and pool.

Source: Longitudes Group Green Grass database

THE INDUSTRY

Tagmarshal recognizes partner Whistling Straits as Ryder Cup host

Tagmarshal also partners with future Ryder Cup courses The Golf Course at Adare Manor in Ireland and Hazeltine National in Chaska, Minn., in 2029

Westhaven GC to reopen after 5-month enhancement project

Franklin, Tenn., club reopens on Sept. 24 after greens renovation that included the redesign of 6 new greens and a newly designed practice putting green

SuperSpeed Golf, The Force Pedal announce partnership

Brands collaborate on a specialty speed-training program that combines both products and aims at increasing a golfer's swing speed

LPGA's Tournament of Champions expanded for return in January

Newly named Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions scheduled for Jan. 20-23 at Lake Nona GCC in Orlando

College Golf Experience announces San Diego Showcase

Camp brings junior golfers, San Diego-area college golf coaches together at Omni La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, Calif., on Nov. 14; Registration is currently open

SubAir system installation underway at New England soccer training center

Hydronic Heating System includes 9-million BTU glycol-based heating and more than 31 miles of 3/4-inch tubing snakes beneath the playing surface to provide temperature management

Rio Verde CC announces new hires, launches program

Courtney Vogel named new associate golf professional, Andrew Dishmon named new sous chef

FEATURES

Q&A: Adam Heieck

Adam Heieck, CEO of Youth on Course, reflects on why there is not a secret to his organization’s success, the importance of transparency, communication and trust, and who are his two favorite golf playing partners.

#QOTD

“Knowledge without action is meaningless.”

— Abu Bakr

TUNING IN

PGA of America: Ryder Cup
Site: Whistling Straits (Straits), Sheboygan, Wis.
Television: Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Golf Channel); Saturday, 8-9 a.m. (Golf Channel), 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (NBC); Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. (NBC).

LPGA: Walmart NW Arkansas Championship
Site: Pinnacle Country Club, Rogers, Ark.
Television: Friday, 9-11 p.m. (Golf Channel-tape delay); Saturday, 1-4 p.m. (Golf Channel); Sunday, noon to 3 p.m. (Golf Channel).

PGA Tour Champions: Pure Insurance Championship
Site: Pebble Beach Golf Links, Pebble Beach, Calif.
Television: Friday, 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. (Golf Channel-tape delay); Saturday, 4-7 p.m. (Golf Channel); Sunday, 3-6 p.m. (Golf Channel).

CALENDAR

NOVEMBER
9-10: National Golf Course Owners Association Multi-Course and Resort Operators Retreat 2021, Monterey, Calif. | Info
21-24: World Golf Expo 2021, Hainan, China | Info

JANUARY
25-28: PGA Merchandise Show, Orlando, Fla. | Info

FEBRUARY
5-10: GCSAA Conference and Trade Show, San Diego, Calif. | Info

To submit events for the calendar, please include the event name, date, location and informational link to info@firstcallgolf.com.

LAST CALL

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